Situated within one of London’s most iconic public spaces, the BE OPEN Sound Portal is an entirely new kind of installation that focuses on the design that cannot be seen. It has been designed as more of an acoustics and sound spectacle, rather than a visual treat.
BE OPEN Sound Portal is designed as an alien black, rubberised structure that will house finely-tuned audio technologies aimed at delivering pure acoustic experiences to visitors in the middle of Trafalgar Square. Designed by Arup, with content commissioned by contemporary music organisation Sound and Music, the changing perception of experiences was a major challenge. The designers have used sound design to change how we experience airports, stadiums, auditoriums, even roads.
Every day, the BE OPEN Sound Portal will host one of five leading musicians and sound artists, each of whom has been specially commissioned to create a unique soundscape. A range of vibrant sonic and musical responses, from the dramatic sounds of the natural world, such as glaciers breaking up, to exquisitely detailed electronic music, can be heard.
BE OPEN Foundation, the global initiative to foster creativity and innovation, and the London Design Festival have co-produced this project in Trafalgar Square. BE OPEN was set up to explore ways in which excellence in creative thinking can produce real social innovation, encouraging new work at the frontiers of design.
London Design Festival is being held from 14-23 September in London.
